Miller rescues Gers point

Inverness goalkeeper Ryan Esson saved a late Kenny Miller penalty to secure Caley Thistle a point from a 1-1 draw against Clydesdale Bank Premier League leaders Rangers.

Jonny Hayes' 30-yard thunderbolt just after the half-hour had given the Highlanders the lead before Miller equalised with his 20th goal of the season in the 57th minute.

But the league's top scorer blew the chance to send the visitors five points clear at the SPL summit when his 82nd-minute spot-kick was saved as Terry Butcher - a legend during his time as captain at Rangers - remained unbeaten as Inverness boss against the Glasgow giants.

The draw moved Rangers there points clear at the top and put Caley Thistle level with third-placed Hearts.

Inverness started brightly at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium with Rangers stopper Allan McGregor thwarting Adam Rooney. The Irishman was played in by Eric Odhiambo in the ninth minute but the keeper raced out to block the best chance of the opening stages. Rangers threatened with a Steven Naismith header going inches over and Miller squandering a chance to break the deadlock.

Then Hayes rocked the visitors with his stunning opener. The winger strode forward unchallenged before rifling in a swerving 30-yard blast which beat a full-stretch McGregor, hitting the post on its way in.

Rangers showed an attacking threat after the half-time introduction of former England frontman James Beattie for midfielder Vladimir Weiss. Minutes into the second half, Miller rounded Esson but fired over from a tight angle with defenders covering the Caley Thistle goalmouth.

Miller did not have to wait much longer, however, with his leveller coming in the 57th minute. The Scot beat a diving Esson with a low drive from 20 yards after being played in by Steven Davis.

The home fans were breathing a collective sigh of relief eight minutes from time when Miller's penalty was saved by man-of-the-match Esson.

Calum Murray pointed to the spot after Stuart Duff felled Beattie, who had been played in by Davis. Miller's effort went straight down the middle and was stopped by the feet of the diving Esson.